London Coliseum Guided Tours 2018/19

Explore the hidden world of ENO and discover the secrets of the largest theatre in London’s West End on one of our guided tours.

London Coliseum opened as a Music Hall in 1904. It was commissioned by the great theatrical impressario Oswald Stoll. He hired Frank Matcham, the leading theatre architect of his day.

The theatre is Matcham’s masterpiece. He also built the Hackney Empire (1901), the London Palladium (1910) and the Victoria Palace (1911). London Coliseum is a sensational example of Edwardian architecture in the grand style. When it first opened it became known as ‘The Peoples Palace’. A theatre that was affordable to enter but which would also inspire a sense of wonder and excitement.

London Coliseum had a complete and detailed restoration from 2000-04. The auditorium and other public areas returned to their original Edwardian decoration. An original staircase, planned by Frank Matcham, was finally put in to his specifications.

Our friendly and informal guided tours include a great deal of the building. The tours take in the old Gentleman‘s Baronial Smoking Hall, Stoll’s Balcony, some Private Rooms, the Upper Glassed Terraces, the fabulous auditorium, the warren of staircases backstage, and underneath the vast revolving stage and orchestra pit (when possible).

Tours vary according to what is available on the day. Please remember that you are visiting a working theatre and plans may change at short notice. Entrance to the main auditorium is not guaranteed, and during the tour it is never possible to attend stage rehearsals. However you can become an ENO supporter and enjoy entry to our dress rehearsals.

Private tours

We are sometimes able to arrange private tours upon request. We will try to accommodate your group around any rehearsals that may be taking place. Please contact the Box Office on 020 7845 9300 to discuss your tour, or email us with your request.

Please note that tours include quite a lot of walking, with many stairs to climb. If you would like to discuss your requirements, please call 020 7845 9300 or email us access@eno.org. You can also explore the theatre virtually via our Google Streetview tour.

Places on guided tours must be booked in advance. Please do not arrive for a guided tour unless you have confirmation of booking.